Family of teacher murdered in prank wants charges against teenagers dropped
The grieving widow of a popular high school teacher who was murdered in what otherwise should have been a harmless prank wants all charges against the group of students involved to be dropped. RadarOnline.com can report.
Jason Hughes, 40, a math teacher and golf coach at North Hall High School in Gainesville, Georgia, died after he was hit by a truck while playfully chasing the teenage pranksters.
As part of an annual junior/senior high school “prom prank battle,” the group of students covered Hughes’ house with toilet paper.
It was all meant as a joke, and Hughes’ wife, Laura, who is also a teacher at the school, said her husband was “excited and waiting to catch them in the act.”
According to reports, when Jason caught the kids, they scattered, jumped in their cars and drove away.
However, Jason somehow slipped on the wet street outside his home, and one of the teens, Jayden Wallace, 18, allegedly hit him with his pickup truck.
The teens all immediately stopped and tried to help their teacher by administering first aid until emergency services arrived, but Jason later died at a nearby hospital.
Wallace now faces up to 15 years in prison after being charged with vehicular homicide. Four other pranksters – Elijah Owens, Aiden Hucks, Ana Katherine Luque and Ariana Cruz, all 18 – were also arrested and charged with criminal trespass and littering.
But Laura comes to their defense, saying that her husband and the students involved loved each other, and Jason was looking forward to the prank, which he had been a victim of in recent years.
She begged authorities to drop charges against the teens, who have suffered enough.
“This is a terrible tragedy, and our family is determined to prevent another tragedy from happening that will devastate the lives of these students,” Laura said in a statement. “This would conflict with Jason’s lifelong commitment to investing in the lives of these children.”
Just two days before the tragedy, school district officials warned students about the pranks, posting on Facebook: “While we understand that prom is a time for celebration and creating lasting memories, we must emphasize the importance of responsible behavior and respect for others and their property.
“In previous years, some pranks during prom season – also known as Junior/Senior Wars – have gone too far, resulting in property damage.
“We urge all students to refrain from participating in activities that could cause damage or destruction to the school or personal property. Such actions not only reflect poorly on the individual involved, but also damage the reputation of our schools, families and community.
“It is essential to recognize the serious consequences that can result from engaging in destructive behavior.”
A GoFundMe founded to support the couple’s young children has already more than doubled its $75,000 goal, and students and community members gathered at the school this weekend to honor him.
Hall County School District officials also lamented the loss.
“Our hearts are broken,” a statement read. “Jason Hughes was a loving husband, a devoted father, a passionate teacher, mentor and coach who was loved and respected by students and colleagues.
“He gave so much to so many in countless ways. Our hearts and prayers go out to his wife and family.”
